According to a News 12 Long Island report and Newsday, a man who was operating a leaf blower on the road near his East Northport home was struck and killed by a Jeep Wrangler, last night the Suffolk Police reported.

Richard Oliveri, 35, sadly, was struck by a Jeep Wrangler on Clay Pitts Road, 700 feet west of Cedrus Avenue. Oliveri suffered a severe head injury and was pronounced dead at a hospital. The driver stayed following the accident and no charges were made, police said.

Autumn chores can turn dangerous if you’re not following a few basic rules. Here’s what you need to know before touching a tool. Last year, more than 300,000 people were estimated to visit the emergency department for injuries related to yard and garden equipment, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Here are some safety concerns you may want to consider when cleaning your yard up this Fall:

Dress appropriately: If working during the early hours of the morning or in the evening with little sunlight, wear bright clothes. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught in equipment. Long pants, long sleeves and sturdy footwear with soles that will not slip (bonus points for steel-toe boots) can help to protect skin and guard against falls or dropped objects. Always wear eye protection, heavy gloves and hearing protection, such as earplugs, when doing chores with loud or motor-driven equipment.

Keep Walkways Clear: Yes, it can be strenuous cleaning up those leaves, but it is an important safety precaution. Make sure to keep sidewalks and driveways clear of leaves. If it rains, wet leaves can be very slippery and present a hazard for you and any guests you may have.

Working with a Leaf Blower: Leaf blowers can stir up a lot of dust and debris.

Make sure to wear eye protection and clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Also consider ear protection and a sturdy pair of work boots.

Make sure your equipment is in good working order before you start.

Always follow manufacturer instructions to prevent serious injury.

Respect heights: Many injuries are linked to ladders. Standing on a level higher than safely indicated, or failing to properly ensure the base is stable before climbing causes dangerous conditions. If it feels like you are stretching the limits of safety, you likely are. Stop and find a safe way to complete the task, even if it means hiring a professional.

Don’t Overexert Yourself: It’s important to educate yourself about yard work safety, or a day working outside could result in sore aching muscles or a trip to the hospital emergency room. Perhaps the most important tip is don’t try to do everything in one day. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t overexert yourself. It’s alright to leave some of the work for another day.

If you, or someone you know has suffered from any type of injury caused by the negligence of another, contact the Siler & Ingber winning legal team for a free case evaluation on 1-877-718-6079